Two games from France.
Martin O’Neill has named his second last team before he cuts the squad for Euro 2016.
Only 23 players can board the Ireland plane for the tournament and, with the final two international friendlies here now, it is the last chance for some men to impress.
Ireland take on the Netherlands at the Aviva on Friday night before taking for Turner’s Cross in Cork to face Belarus. Then, the final squad will be named. Then, they head for France.
But all eyes are on Dublin this evening and O’Neill has picked his team to start the game against Holland who, incidentally, don’t have a place at Euro 2016.
BREAKING: The Republic of Ireland starting line-up to face Netherlands has been named! #COYBIG #IRLNED pic.twitter.com/T3OSlbdyNg
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 27, 2016
It’s a strong side and raises interesting questions about who might be on the plane to France.
Specifically David McGoldrick’s position up front suggests he may be in line for a place in the 23 which would suggest O’Neill could bring five strikers to the Euros, putting the squeeze on the midfield positions.
A good performance from the talented Ipswich striker and he could well join Jon Walters, Shane Long, Daryl Murphy and Robbie Keane in the squad.
Harry Arter and Stephen Quinn are two of those battling to join the players who would seem to be more assured of their place in the final 23, such as Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy (injury permitting) and Wes Hoolahan.
Both Arter and Quinn have a chance to impress against the Dutch.
Holland manager Danny Blind has opted for an experienced side. Memphis Depay starts as does one-time Manchester United target Kevin Strootman.
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